I have not had time to scroll through my usual suspects, my daily reads, but I suspect that the reaction to the tsunami which has claimed in excess of 40,000 lives in Asia has been sympathetic and appropriate. Indeed, I probably have nothing of any value to add. Merely, I want to register my horror and my sadness. As always, I am particularly moved by the deaths of the children, by the stories of parents who had their babies torn from their arms and drowned by the waves. Particularly, my hearts go out to those parents who survived such an experience. I try, fruitlessly, to wrap my mind around the enormity, the incomprehensible enormity of such an experience and I wonder whether and how these parents will live with the guilt, the feeling that they failed their children when their children needed them most. The parents are, of course, without blame. The waves are reported as being supernaturally strong and I don't mean to suggest that the parents are to be blamed for having lost that struggle. No, not at all. But I do think that these parents, however blameless, will still feel guilt and still believe themselves to be at fault. I assume I would and I generalize from that.
My heart goes out to all of those forever changed by this unimaginable tragedy.
Pax tibi.
Posted by Random Penseur at December 28, 2004 10:06 PMIt is unbelievable...the numbers just keep going up and up; I can't understand or grasp such whole sale loss of life, as well as less of goods, means to generate future income...one woman they profiled lost all her children, and her husband. She was holding her baby at the time and the waters pulled the child from her arms.
And I understand what you mean by the parents guilt; not an actual guilt, but what they feel inside for not being stronger than the waters. No matter how much you tell them or what you tell them that guilt will always ride with them.
Posted by: Rachel Ann at December 29, 2004 07:38 AMi can't quite grasp it either.
i keep reading and thinking...these numbers must be wrong.
it's just....beyond horrible.
These are terrible times, I can't fathom the loss of life, it's too huge and terrifying. It's hard for me to not think apocalyptically of these things that have been happening: war, floods, famine, drought, inhumane acts. Sure they have been happening for centuries, but so many things in such a short period of time. Now they're saying that the earthquake may have affected Earths rotational axis (or something like that)? Nuts
Posted by: Oorgo at December 29, 2004 01:15 PM"Oorgo" - I'd like to know your source for the info on the quake affecting the Earth's rotational axis. Sounds pretty frightening on top of all the rest of the horrible news.
Posted by: Mark at December 29, 2004 09:11 PMhere we are: http://slate.msn.com/id/2111443/
But it doesn't sound as if it is enough of an adverse affect to worry about. Thank G-d for that small favor.
Posted by: Mark at December 29, 2004 09:18 PMThe closest feeling of personal loss I can relate to this is when I lived in Oklahoma City. And the exponential grief here must be overwhelming. I haven't written about it because I cannot wrap my heart and mind around it and still be coherent. (Not that I've ever been a shining example of coherence to date. . .)
Hug your children. Say "I love you." Give some money to the Red Cross. And pray. That's all I can do.
Posted by: Margi at December 30, 2004 05:46 AMWhat a way to end the year with this tsunami!!! I decided to contribute to Direct Relief International since their business is that of delivering medical supplies and drugs to third world countries. I fervently hope that this horrific happening will help united our planet; time to learn that we are one people occupying this small space in the Universe.
May you and yours be safe and warm the New Year's Eve and may 2005 be the best year ever!!
Happy New Year!!